"Marine" EKI, brass core, known copies of this maker?

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear all,

Again, this one looks good but since it is a new acquisition in my collection I would feel more comfortable to hear your opinions.

Description:
Obverse: Core is brass, black colour is still thick on swastika, seems to have faded a bit on the arms, leaving the core metal slightly shining through the black colour. White crusty stuff on the very edges of the core. Seems this is NOT some leftover from a cleaning fluid.
Reverse: Maker mark L/19 under the catch.
The silver frame does not show any patina but has the right silver tone.

Cheers, Frank

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Frank,

Imo, this EK1 is a recent reproduction. I have seen many of these crosses on e-auction sites, with poor central core definition and paint jobs, variously marked L/54, L/12, among others - some with bogus SS inscriptions as well. They all feature exactly the same main pin which tapers from the middle to either end. Original L/19 EK1s do have non-magentic cores but I've only seen them with hinge/pin/catch assemblies the same as found on Zimmerman and Godet EK1s (ie they taper from top to bottom). Geissler shows the reverse of a genuine L/19 EK1 on page 151.

Regards
Mike K

[ERIC S.]

sorry!

Hi Frank,
I have to agree with Mike 100% on this one. The pin for that maker is all wrong. I myself have started to see these particular EKI's popping up at shows. They have the same basic makeup ( magnetic cores, pin, catch) except they have different
" L " numbers!
ERIC

[Doug See]

I'm pretty leary about this one, too. I agree this looks like what is being imported from Latvia. I've seen several of these on eBay and Epier with same construction, plus screwbacks. It looks like the 1939 fakes being sold marked 800 or 900 on the pin and/or the back. Something also looks "not right" about the metal, expecially on the back. The grind marks on the side of the pin are pretty rough for my liking.

There are also 1914 fakes on eBay and Epier that appear to be from the same maker--all marked 800 or 900. The crown detail is much too flat, broad, and delicate compared to real ones I've seen. It's hard to tell from photos, but I don't like it.

If fakes, they are the best yet, since the photograph very convincingly for on-line auctions..

[Calvin Hall]

Bad!

Frank and all,

I agree with Eric - I dont like the catch.

I also agree with Doug's observations - The back almost looks like it is constructed of stainless steel.

Thanks for posting photos of this bad EK1.

Can someone please post a photo of a genuine L/19 EK1 for comparisson purposes.

Calvin

[John G]

Pix of L/19 EK I

Here are some pictures of what I consider a genuine L/19 EK I. Note the center is brass, and the pin seem to be either brass or tombak.





The "L/19" is carved a little deeper and bolder than the one viewed up top. Hope this helps some.

John G

[Mike Kenny]

A good one!

Hi John,

Thanks for posting your L/19 EK1. You've saved me ages looking through my shockingly organised image library!

I have no problems whatsoever with your example - a very nicely and honestly worn piece - the way I prefer them!

Regards
Mike K

[Frank Heukemes]

Thanks, gentlemen, you made this a great thread with your contributions. One more for the bad box I guess.

Cheers, Frank